NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “The Shape of Things,” by Neil LaBute, will debut Thursday, Sept. 28, at Neely Auditorium at Vanderbilt University. The critically acclaimed play follows the moves of an art student who makes it her mission to transform a nerdy, insecure, overweight undergraduate into her confident, stylish, good-looking lover. Although the transformation seems beneficial at first, unpleasant consequences soon ensue.
“The questions raised about current American values and the nature of art are what first attracted me to this provocative text,” said Jon Hallquist, associate professor of theatre and director of the production. “Are we a society that is truly obsessed with surface issues—perfect bodies, fashionable clothing and materialistic surroundings? If so, can this quest for such a lifestyle negatively influence our personal standards and ethics? Are artists ever free of moral responsibility?”
“The Shape of Things” will be performed at 8 p.m. Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 and 8. Admission is $8 for the general public, $5 for graduate and professional students, and free for undergraduates with Vanderbilt identification. Tickets may be reserved by calling 615-322-2404.
For more information on the Vanderbilt University Theatre, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/theatre. For more Vanderbilt news visit VUCast, Vanderbilt’s news network, at www.vanderbilt.edu/news.
Media Contact: Amber N. Sims, (615) 322-NEWS
amber.sims@vanderbilt.edu